Protection and assistance for victims of human trafficking

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If you or someone you know is a victim of trafficking and you need help right away, please call:

  • the human trafficking hotline at 1-833-900-1010
  • your local police or
  • dial 911

Special temporary resident permit for victims

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking without legal status in Canada, you may apply for a special temporary resident permit (TRP). This special permit gives you temporary immigration status in Canada for 180 days.

You don’t pay a fee.

Victims of human trafficking don’t pay a fee for an initial TRP or work permit.

If you’re issued a TRP, you can also get a work permit or study permit and health-care benefits.

We’ll issue you a TRP for many reasons, including to:

  • escape the influence of traffickers
  • give you time to decide whether you wish to return home
  • have time to recover from physical or mental trauma
  • assist with the investigation or prosecution of the traffickers

Depending on your situation, we may issue you another TRP at the end of the 180-day period.

Special considerations

In Canada, you don’t have to testify against your trafficker to get temporary or permanent resident status.

How to apply

Victims are mostly referred to IRCC by law enforcement or non-governmental organizations. However, victims can also self-identify to IRCC.

You or your representative (if applicable), who acts on your behalf, will need to mail the following completed application to the IRCC Vulnerable Persons Unit at the address below:

IRCC – Vulnerable Persons Unit
5343 Dundas Street West, Suite 105
Toronto ON  M9B 6K5

If a representative is acting on your behalf, you also need to fill out and submit the following form:

Write “VTIP” (human trafficking victim) on the outside of the envelope to help us quickly identify your application.

Use a courier to submit your paper application

Due to the labour disruption at Canada Post, you need to use a courier to send us your application. Use one that offers tracking so you have proof your application was delivered.

Find out how to check if your application has been received

You may need to be interviewed by an immigration officer, who will decide if you’ll get a temporary resident permit.

Please refer to Guide 5554 – Applying to remain in Canada as a temporary resident holder for additional guidance.

Find out if you are eligible

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